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Food Safety Knowledge Gaps Among Kenyan High School Food Handlers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by Szent Istvan University in Kenyan high schools reveals significant gaps in food safety knowledge among food handlers. The study involved 204 food handlers from 50 schools, who were asked about their knowledge and practices toward food safety and sanitation. While the respondents showed a good understanding of food contamination (93%), they were less knowledgeable about the importance of protective attire when distributing food to learners (50%). The study recommends that the Kenyan Government develop and implement guidelines to ensure food safety and sanitation practices are implemented in Kenyan high schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • Food handlers in Kenyan high schools demonstrated a fair knowledge of food safety despite a lack of training, motivation, and facilities to maintain quality standards.
  • The research concluded that food handlers were most knowledgeable about food contamination (93%), while they were least knowledgeable about the importance of protective attire when distributing food to learners (50%).
  • One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference between gender and food handlers' behavior and practice (F = 19.886, p-value not specified).
  • The study recommends that the Kenyan Government develop and implement guidelines through school feeding policy to ensure food safety and sanitation practices are implemented in Kenyan high schools.
  • Additional information on this research can be obtained by contacting Csaba Balint Illes, Institute of Business Economics, Leadership and Management, Szent Istvan University, Godollo 2100, Hungary.
  • Further research is necessary to address the knowledge gaps in food safety and sanitation among food handlers in Kenyan high schools.

Statistics:

  • 204 food handlers participated in the study.
  • 50 schools were included in the research.
  • 93% of respondents showed a good understanding of food contamination.
  • 50% of respondents were least knowledgeable about the importance of protective attire when distributing food to learners.
  • F = 19.886 (substantial difference between gender and food handlers' behavior and practice).
  • Sampling method: cross-sectional study.
  • Sample size: 204 food handlers.
  • Number of schools: 50.

Sources:

  • "Food Safety and Sanitation Implementation Impasse on Adolescents in Kenyan High Schools." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 1304, 2021, pp. 1304, doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031304.
  • NewsRx. "Study Findings on Food Safety Described by Researchers at Szent Istvan University." Food Weekly News, February 18, 2021, p. 406.

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